Meet the China Jury for S.Pellegrino Young Chef 2016

The chefs will be responsible for selecting a regional winner to go on to represent China in the global completion where they will face 19 other chefs from around the world in a bid to become global champion.

Chef Steven Liu will step into the dual role of judge and mentor to the winning Young Chef for China helping the finalist to perfect their dish right up until the global final. Liu brings with him a wealth of international experience having worked in kitchens from Bali to Bangalore and Taipei to London. Before arriving in China chef Liu was executive chef at the historic Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund following on from which he was appointed as Fairmont Culinary Brand Ambassador, China to support the awareness of the Brand and property in China. In the last few years he has become something of a TV celebrity taking on the role of judge in Chinese cooking reality shows including Master Chef China and Star Chef. Chef Liu's current projects include managing seven F&B outlets in Shanghai.

Executive Chinese chef Ku Chi Fai of Ritz-Carlton executive began his journey in the kitchen at just 15 years old. Before moving to Beijing, chef Ku worked in Japan and Hong Kong for several years in illustrious restaurants such as the Michelin-starred Xiang Tao at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka and Lei Garden in Hong Kong. In turn Chef Ku has gained a reputation as a master of traditional Cantonese food exceling in creative cooking techniques with Japanese flair and sophisticated plating.

Chef Jacqueline Qiu brings more than25 years’ of experience of working at top hotels and restaurants to the team, including Jean Georges, Park Hyatt Shanghai and Andaz Xintiandi, Shanghai. She is considered a trail blazer in the local food and beverage industry and the only female executive chef at an international five-star hotel in Shanghai. Chef Qiu was also appointed as jury of Bocuse D’or China Selection 2016.

Executive chef Riccardo La Perna adds a touch of Italy to the team, working at the helm of the Italian restaurant 8 ½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANAin Shanghai alongside chef Bombana. Hailing from Sicily, Chef La Perna comes with the benefit of impressive experience consolidated under Michelin-starred chefs such as Ciccio Sultano and Claudio Sadler in Milan and Beijing, coupled with experience of 5 star hotels and prestigious fine dining restaurants in Italy and abroad.

Finalising the team is Shanghai-born chef/owner, Alan Yu, who joins the team from his popular celebrity restaurant Nice Meeting You. His previous roles include executive chef at Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA as well as Jean Georges, New York (3 Michelin stars) and working under the French celebrity chef Michel Richard for a number of years. He summarizes his style today as "modern Italian," using French culinary techniques.